Let's see a show of hands! How many of our esteemed members are Leos?
Leo symbolizes pride, excellence, style, poise. Leo's graphic symbol represents a lion stepping regally (as if to make a noteworthy entrance on the scene), tossing back its mane and roaring for attention. Leo's ruling planet is the Sun which symbolizes the drive for significance, validation, recognition, approval and impact. Leo belongs to the Fire element, which gives it leadership in the form of trend-setting or providing it with a court of admirers (or flattering brown-nosing pee-ons). Leo is a Fixed sign - fairly set in its ways. Leo has an affinity with the astrological 5th House (creativity, recreation, self-validating endeavors - hobbies, romance, offspring). Leo thinks it honors any setting or situation with its mere presence. Leo tends to be self-confident to the extent of acting vain, snobish, conceited or elitist.
Leo is constantly trying to impress everyone. Leos are proud, poised and regal in their demeanor. They must be the center of attention. They need approval, praise and applause. If they don't get it, they pout, shrug others off or dismiss them as unworthy of their attention. They often monitor the effect they have or if anyone notices them at all. They tend to entertain a court of admirers, normally carefully screened for the impact and the prestige they bring to the "King" or "Queen" (themselves). Admission to their circle is usually sought after and valued, but exclusive, gained strictly on appointment and it is a FAVOR expected to be appreciated, acknowledged and thanked for. Leos use name-dropping in the conversation and are always aware of the enhancement to their self-image that others may bring. Leos constantly watch over their shoulders to see if anyone is listening or looking. Nothing peeves them more than being ignored, or worse, ridiculed. So their are always checking themselves, carefully staging their entrances, repartees and exits.
If due to other dimming influence in their character, some Leos are not outgoing, they may then live in the shadow of other people who are glamorous, popular or glitzy. They tend to wrap themselves in their dignity and dismiss all that self-conscious stuff. They may then cultivate excellence, taste and class for its own sake but deep inside they'll suffer and resent the obscurity of a modest or invisible position. Leos won't show sadness or wounding to anyone, they'll become indignant with much arm-flailing, shoulder-shrugging, erect posturing, stiff upper lip and door-slamming.
Leos have luxury tastes. They want the finest. Actually they feel naturally entitled to it. They don't like back-breaking toil or tedious, messy, dirty hard work. They have a tendency to expect generous compensation for the enormous favor they provide with their mere presence. They'll say -- or think: "that's beneath me", "this is not worthy of my attention".
